Scotch: Laphroaig 10 yr Old Single Malt

Well, I'm going through my Islay malts. No tour of that island could be complete without a Laphroaig! This is one of the most famous single malts out there. Now, I have a bit of a warning for you over zealous Scotch drinkers out there, and I think my good friend Mr Timothy J. Button will concur with this statement. You see the tube that the Whisky comes in says that it is "A touch aloof, at first. But make the effort, broach acquaintance and you'll have a warm and genuine friend for life." One night my friend and I tried to make the effort with a stubborn cask-strength Laphroaig. You see, these whiskies are sensitive and old fashioned - they like to take it easy. No one night stands! Also, these whiskies are deceptive. You start getting to know them and the more you get to know them the more you think they are your friend, but if it was just a one night stand the whisky will punish you in the morning, and they don't pull their punches. The moral of the story here is take it easy. Single malts are long term friends. Try to make it last! Now that I am up to drinking Laphroaig again, here's what I think:

This Scotch is a nice golden colour, not too dark. The nose is subdued and mellow. It must be like the sea that surrounds the island. You can catch a a glimpse of the salt air and perhaps a bit of seaweed, but not too much of the later. Like the sea air there is a bit of sweetness in the aroma. Now the Scotch itself is a rough oily texture. On the palate, obviously there is a tonne of peat and smoke - it's what Laphroaig is famous for. In that peat fire you can still taste the nutty barley. It finishes smoothly enough and lingers leaving your mouth feeling smoky.

Remember this is an Islay, it takes a bit of getting used to. It's hardy and tough, but it lacks complexity and is not as smooth as you would expect. I understand the older versions improve on these two points.

Stats:
Name:Laphroaig
Region: Islay
Age: 10
Alcohol: 40%
Website: http://www.laphroaig.com/

Rating:
On the official Chris' Choice rating scale, Laphroaig rates a:
+1